Environmental Impact Rating
Our Environmental Impact Rating is quantified primarily in terms of natural resources consumed, waste generated or diverted, and toxins released as a result of a product’s manufacture, use and disposal. The rating also factors-in the distance a product must travel from its manufacturer to its end-user (starting location = product's manufacturing location; destination = middle of the U.S. unless user's Zip Code is provided).
The rating is formulated according to a product’s impact on the environment relative to other comparable products within a given category.
The higher the Environmental Impact Rating, the lesser the product's impact is on the environment.
Factors of analysis
Manufacturer Environmental Stewardship
► Corporate Environmental Policy: product's managing corporation demonstrates the execution of a corporate environmental policy consistent with ISO 14001 (click here for details on ISO 14001 certification).
► Environmental Management System for Manufacturing: product's managing corporation applies an environmental management system for their manufacturing facilities that meet or exceed ISO 14001, European EMAS, US EPA Performance Track, or equivalent requirements.
► Sustainability Report: product's managing corporation publishes an annual corporate report consistent with U.S. EPA Performance Track or Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines or equivalent.
► Efficient & Environmentally-Considerate Manufacturing & Business Operations: product's managing corporation and/or manufacturer commit to employee awareness of environmental stewardship; implementation of energy- and water-efficient products and practices; use of renewable energies; reduction of landfill waste; recycling and reuse of material; product packaging that contains recycled material and can be recycled or reused; demonstrates a commitment to organizations that support and encourage environmental stewardship.
Efficiency
► Product is energy- and/or water-efficient.
► Product contains recycled content.
► Product meets ENERGY STAR standards.
► Product meets EPA Water Sense standards.
► Product meets EPEAT standards.
► Product is eligible for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits.
Toxicity
► Product is non-toxic.
► Product's manufacturer commits to the elimination or timely phase-out of substances placed in their products and manufacturing processes that are toxic and/or harmful to human health and the natural environment.
Product End-of-Life Design & Management
► Product Design for End-of-Life: product is designed to be easily dismantled so it can be reused or recycled in an efficient and effective manner.
► Take-Back Service: product's managing corporation and/or manufacturer has a take-back or recycling service that meets US EPA environmental standards or equivalent.
Manufacturing Location
► Product is manufactured locally/located near target consumers/end-users.
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